SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12,2017

WHAT AN UNFORGETTABLE SUPER BOWL


Amazing New England comeback, PLUS Lady Ga Ga's incredible performance at half time.  BUT who can forget Michael Jackson? And so many above average commercials.  Can't wait til next year.

I am old enough to remember the first game in Los Angeles Coliseum.  Wow, how fast time flies and how much this game and telecast has changed!!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABE....BORN FEBRUARY 12, 1809....

Our 16th President 1861-1865

Kicking off an event filled week  CBS, broadcasts the  59th Annual Grammy Awards.  This year hosted by their  late-night star, and fresh off last year's Tony Awards,  James Corden.  Not enough  time in this music driven show for his Carpool Karakoe, but the man can sing and dance and LOVES music.  Among the performers will be Adele, Beyonce, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood and many many more.


As Award Shows go, this is one of the best with the musical performances mixed in along with the envelope opening.  Plus, add a talent like Corden, who can break into song without any prodding, and you have an entertaining and unpredictable evening.  Show begins at 8 and is scheduled to end 11:30. 

Opening Monday and continuing through July at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Marc Chagall, Flowers, and the French Rivera: The Color of Dreams.  In part sponsored by Jewish Federation of Sarasota.  Much more next week.

Opening Friday at  Asolo Repertory is one of the great classics of the 20th century, Born Yesterday.  I know many of you remember the Broadway show and later movie starring the incomparable Judy Holliday.   Broderick Crawford was her junk dealer boyfriend , and William Holden played political reporter, Paul Verrall,  hired to educate Holliday's character, Billie Dawn.  The rest is history, as Billie learns more than she bargained for, and falls for the Holden character. 

Christiana DeCicco/ Christopher Kelly

Yesterday is the third, and last show of current season's Washington Trilogy.  Included in trio and continuing along with Yesterday, are  The Great Society and The Originalist.  To order tickets click here.

If I have to remind you that Tuesday is VALENTINES DAY, then you're in deep trouble.  If you're reading before Tuesday,  there is still  time for candy or flowers.  Most of the better restaurants are booked, but I'm sure one of our  plentiful supply of casual dining spots  is available. 


Here's a place not to go Tuesday,  but as a once or twice a year trip, it's pretty good and CHEAP.  Sorry Randy, but on a recent late movie night with most of the chain restaurants off University full to capacity, we went to Five Guys in Cooper Creek shopping center. 

The grease on burger and fries is overwhelming; however, when several  toppings are added to burger, it is quite a meal.  I admit, Steak N' Shake is classier, what with their table service, but Five Guys is a good alternative when you don't want to drive a long distance late in the evening.

Still another new restaurant has popped up along the University corridor.   SPACCO opened last month in the home of shuttered Filipo's 6329 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd.  If you're not familiar with address, they are near Outback and north of two buck movies.  

Marlene Meyer, who eats out almost as much as we do, writes..."Went to Spacco tonight.  Opened a week.  Back up in kitchen so had to wait a long time for food.  It was good, but wouldn't rush back.  CPK is much better."

Two points.  Owners of Spacco have a successful operation in St. Pete; Grazzi.  Plus Florida ownership!  Drove by today, and interior looks modern and casual.  I'll give them a few weeks to get their act together before sampling.   Open  Mon-Sat 11am-9pm; 4pm-9pm Sun.





Circus Sarasota is now performing under the BIG tent behind UTC.  If you did not attend the opening weekend, you still have until March 5.  But better buy tickets soon, because most shows are selling out.  I am going on Sunday and will let you know how good it was next week.

In the midst of getting out this week's blog, news came of the Wallenda family accident while rehearsing an eight person pyramid.  Extensive television coverage that evening and into Thursday.  But in the true tradition of "the show must go on", go on it did with a new finale created in just a few days.  Based on reviews the entire production is worthy of community support.


JIM'S RANT.....Read in Saturday's Sarasota Herald Tribune about still another store closing at Westfield Southgate Mall.  This in addition to Dillards and countless others.   Which takes me to UTC,  University and I75.  Though there are days when traffic is almost non-existent, there are times like now when they thrive. Thanks to Circus, Rowing Events, and development of east side area, they will remain vibrant even in light of the growing popularity of on-line shopping.

Get out and enjoy our fabulous early spring weather.....Until next week.....JIM

Gaga brings her spectacular act to Tampa 12/1/17!!